For many people from the South, a beach trip typically involves packing up the car and driving to the nearest coastal area, whether that’s in Florida, Alabama, or Georgia. However, if your destination is Mississippi, there’s a more enjoyable and scenic way to get there. Thanks to Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras Service, you can board a train in either New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama, and arrive in Pascagoula, Mississippi, a charming coastal town that many have yet to discover. Located approximately 20 miles east of Biloxi, Pascagoula offers a laid-back beach vibe with everything you need for a perfect getaway.
The train drops you off right in the middle of Pascagoula’s walkable downtown, where you’ll find local restaurants, shops, and galleries. Just a few miles away on the southern end of the city, you can spread out your towel on a stretch of sand and watch the waves roll in. But the salty Gulf isn’t the only water feature in Pascagoula—this town lies along the Pascagoula River, the largest free-flowing waterway in the lower 48 states. Surrounded by serene marshes and whimsical cypress trees, the river creates a stunning natural habitat where you can spot migratory birds and other wildlife either on foot from the many public walking trails or via kayak or boat.
What To Do In Pascagoula, Mississippi
Spend A Day At The Beach
Sunshine and relaxation are essential when visiting Pascagoula. Take advantage of the town’s quiet, less-touristy atmosphere and head to Pascagoula Beach Park & Pier. This 14-acre beachfront park features walking trails, playgrounds, a concession stand, shaded picnic areas, and a splashpad. A 1,000-foot pier hovering over the Gulf is the perfect place to cast a line and enjoy the view.
Bike Through Town
Pascagoula’s walkability is one of its strong suits, but it’s equally easy to explore the town on two wheels. Rent a bike from Tour de Coast e-Bikes and spend your day cruising around town on the Historic Pascagoula Bike Trail. This paved 14.5-mile loop connects many of the city’s major points of interest, including downtown, Beach Park, Riverfront Park, Round Island Lighthouse, and LaPointe-Krebs House & Museum.
tourdecoast.com; 833-743-3832
See The Round Island Lighthouse
This symbol of Pascagoula and beacon for mariners was originally built in 1859. After being struck by a hurricane, the remnants of the original structure were salvaged and rebuilt on mainland Pascagoula in 2010. In 2015, the lighthouse reopened to the public, and now you can take a picture and learn all about Pascagoula’s seafaring history at this landmark.
cityofpascagoula.com/354/Round-Island-Lighthouse; 815 Cypress Avenue, Pascagoula, MS 39567
Walk the Riverfront
For sweeping views of the scenic Pascagoula River, head to Riverfront Park. Take your time strolling alongside the winding waterway and look out for waterbirds, migratory birds, and other wildlife while you walk. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to see the area at its best.
Become One With Nature
Pascagoula has no shortage of ways to get its visitors out and enjoying the many pleasures Mother Nature has to offer. Located just outside of town in neighboring Moss Point, the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve offers 18,000 acres of pine savannas, salt marshes, bays, bayous, and salt pannes to explore. Pick a trail and get adventuring. For a little context into the areas you’re exploring, stop into the reserve’s interpretive center, which gives information on the Gulf’s delicate ecosystems. Also in Moss Point, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers birdwatching excursions, guided kayak tours, exhibits, and boardwalks to explore.
Those looking to get out on the water have options too. Eco Tours of South Mississippi takes folks on two-hour-long interpretive tours where you’ll learn all about the cypress swamps and salt marshes of the lower Pascagoula River. Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours offers airboat cruises to see alligators in the swamp.
Shop Downtown
Contribute to the local economy and treat yourself to a little retail therapy by checking out the many specialty shops and boutiques that line downtown’s picturesque streets. The Blind Butcher Shoppe is a favorite spot for locals hoping to bring home dinner, but their selection of artisanal pantry items like pickles, preserves, and more are worth checking out for those looking to bring an edible souvenir home. For home goods, gifts, and apparel, head to White Pelican or Stella Gray Luxury Boutique. Art enthusiasts should seek out Singing River Art Association’s downtown gallery, where you’ll find an array of pieces—paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more—all made by local artists.
See Mississippi’s Oldest Structure
Go back in time—way back in time—with a visit to the LaPointe-Krebs House & Museum. Formerly known as the Old Spanish Fort, this historic building was built during the French Colonial period in 1757. See the structure in its glory and visit the accompanying museum for more background on the building and its colonial roots.
lapointekrebs.org; 228-471-5126
Check Out The Train Depot
Even if you don’t arrive via locomotive, Pascagoula’s historic train depot is still worth a visit. Originally built in 1904, the structure is currently undergoing renovations to welcome Chandeleur Island Brewing Company with an onsite brewpub.
Where To Eat In Pascagoula, Mississippi
Try An Overstuffed Po’boy At Bozo’s
Gulf seafood has been the star of the show at Bozo’s for the past 55-plus years. This Pascagoula favorite, which has since spawned two additional outposts, is best known for their overstuffed po’boys. The 12-inch Shrimp Overload, featuring an entire pound of the crustacean, is a slam dunk, but you can also get yours filled with anything from catfish to flounder to soft shell crab.
mybozos.com; 2012 Ingalls Ave., Pascagoula, MS 39567; 228-762-3322
Have Dinner With A View At Brady’s Steaks and Seafood
There’s nothing better than dinner with a view. For the best of both, head to Brady’s Steaks and Seafood. The menu features a little of everything, from hand-cut USDA steaks for a very reasonable price (between $21 to $28 for a steak and two sides) to seafood of all shapes and sizes. The Mississippi Sound Platter, which comes with fried fish of the day, fried oysters, fried jumbo shrimp, and a crab cake, plus two sides, is a feast worthy of your vacation diet.
bradyssteaksandseafood.com; 3801 Magnolia St., Pascagoula, MS 39567; 228-205-3749
Grab A Coffee At The District Coffee Co.
Located in the heart of downtown Pascagoula, this modern coffee shop is the perfect place to start your morning with a latte, matcha, or cold brew. If you need a bite to eat, their breakfast menu includes burritos, biscuits, bagels, and waffles. Hang out on the dog-friendly patio to kick it with locals and enjoy some people watching.
citycentreofpascagoula.com/thedistrict; 506 Delmas Avenue Pascagoula, MS 39567; 228-769-8205
Have A Night Out At Jack’s By The Tracks
It doesn’t get any more authentic than the experience you’ll have at Jack’s By The Tracks. Everything about this place is unexpected from the seared duck tacos to the fresh nigiri. This popular hangout is part sushi bar, part juke joint, part taco spot, and all about great eats and excellent live music.
facebook.com/jacksbythetracks; 709 Krebs Ave Pascagoula, MS 39567; 228-334-2337
Dine At Scranton’s, A Pascagoula Institution
The two-story white building that once housed city hall and the town’s firehouse may still be marked Pascagoula Central Fire Co., but its new purpose is feeding hungry locals and visitors. Scranton’s Restaurant has been dishing out American classics for the past 40 years, with no signs of slowing. On the menu, find everything from crawfish eggrolls to Cajun shrimp and grits to burgers to pork chops. The attached market sells prepared foods, pantry staples, and specialty food items.
scrantons.com; 623 Delmas Ave., Pascagoula, MS 39567; 228-762-1900
Where To Stay In Pascagoula, Mississippi
Stay In A Downtown Boutique Property
Founded in 2016, this boutique hotel features 16 comfortable rooms decorated in calming modern, minimalist fashion. Book a suite or opt for a room with a balcony overlooking bustling Delmas Avenue in the heart of downtown.
hotelwhiskey.com/pascagoula; 650 Delmas Avenue, Pascagoula, MS 39567; 601- 557-2611
Book A Cozy Suite In A Queen Anne Home
This seven-suite boutique hotel is set up like a charming inn or bed and breakfast with ample community spaces that include two parlor rooms, a kitchen, two dining rooms, a courtyard, and front and back porches where guests can relax. Housed in a 1894 Queen Anne-style 7,500-square-foot house, the Grand Magnolia Ballroom & Suites is the place to go for a relaxing stay that feels like home.
grandmagnolia.com; 3604 Magnolia Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567; 228-696-1894
